The Economist magazine, in its 3-9 August issue, writes that the economic indicators for the United Kingdom “present a confusing picture at the moment.” It states that figures for gross domestic product, published on 26 July, showed a sluggish annual growth rate of 1.87%.
On the other hand, retail sales figures released two days earlier showed a stronger than expected annual growth of 3.3%. It mentions a selection of “unofficial indicators,” including sales of basic-model Ford Escorts which were up by 62%, and sales of “souped up” RS models beloved of boy racers – the ones that have a 2-litre engine, a huge spoiler fin on the back, and cost a fortune to insure – rose by no less than 640% over the same period.
It also states that there has been a rise in demand for chauffeurs during the past six months and, while sales of low-cost package holidays to the Greek islands are down by 25% on this time last year, there has been a boom in holidays to more distant, “recherché locations” with, for example, bookings for the Dominican Republic up by 58%. The U.K. is one of the principal generators of tourists for this country’s industry.